Chronic pain is a common problem, affecting 1 in 5 Canadians. Despite this, the burden of chronic pain has not been fully investigated in Canada. This research sought to characterize the burden of chronic pain in Ontario. Individuals with and without chronic pain who were identified through the Canadian Community Health Survey were matched using propensity score methods on demographic and comorbidity using linked healthcare administrative data. Higher healthcare costs, lower quality of life and increased mortality were found in those with chronic pain. Findings from this research may assist in setting research priorities, inform health policy and aid program planning for chronic pain.

Learning Objectives:

Recall the annual cost to manage chronic pain and its magnitude relative to other conditions.

Describe a health utility.

Recall the health utility of chronic pain relative to other chronic conditions.